Drawing up a CV (Curriculum Vitae) or rsum is not only necessary when applying for jobs, it can also be very useful for your own benefit and will help you appraise the skills you have gained through education, training, employment, voluntary work, leisure and other activities. In turn it will help to highlight skills that you should work on developing.

There are numerous different ways of setting out and presenting a CV for the purpose of applying for a job - you should be very careful to include all relevant information and make sure your document is well written and well presented.

The Golden Rule of CV Writing

Put yourself in the recruiter's shoes and think about what they need to know about you. The job description should give you a reasonable idea.

Use your CV to tell them what they need to know upfront and clearly, in a way that looks professional and believable.

Your CV will not get you the job but, if done well, should give you at least a foot in the door.

Writing a CV

1. State what you've learnt

You'll have acquired some skills and knowledge. So talk about what you gained in clear, simple language.

2. Make it relevant

If the job you're applying for requires particular skills and you've shown them in your work experience, focus on them.

3. Don't exaggerate or tell lies

If you invent things, you could get into trouble - so tell the truth.

4. Use bullet points

They're a great way of isolating the skills you've gained. What's more, they're quick to read.

5. Remember the reference

If you've been offered a reference, note down the person's name and contact details on your CV.